Army and Navy Academy

• Language of instruction: English;
• Established in 1910;
• Location: Carlsbad, California, USA;
• Students age: from 13 to 18 years;
• Study programs: US High School Diploma (middle and high school);
• Total number of students: 320 people (90% of them at the boarding house, 25% - foreign students);
• Type of study: single (boys only);
• Type of accommodation: residence (board from age 13).

The Army and Navy Academy of Carlsbad is an international boarding school for boys, providing cadets with grades 7 to 12. The institution is proud of its reputation, more than a hundred-year history and careful observance of historical traditions and principles. The students actively develop leadership skills, ability to work independently and in a team, assiduity, discipline and responsibility - thanks to this, after the first semester everyone significantly improves their academic performance.

The unique JROTC leadership program operates here: it includes 4 steps and qualitatively prepares pupils for leadership positions in a real life. International students acquire an active life position, are able to use the acquired skills and their strengths, understand well what they want to become and what needs to be done to become real men.

The academic program is based on the professionalism and rigor of the instructors, the complexity of the training courses and the powerful motivating atmosphere on the campus. Small classes provide an opportunity to realize an individual, personal approach, give each student a maximum of time and attention, to reveal his potential and abilities. Special coordinating programs help students show their talents and abilities, make the right choice regarding the further path of learning and building a career.

The choice of academic disciplines makes it possible to obtain not only knowledge in the field of science, but also in the field of creativity and art, and living in a military academy implies active participation in sports, military affairs and marching. Each student attends the Leadership and Discipline Development (JROTC) classes for 180 hours: this helps to improve the ability to take responsibility, work in a team, develops self-esteem, the ability to manage time, and improves research skills.

The Army and Navy Academy campus occupies approximately 16.5 acres of the ocean coast, it is located in California near the small town of Carlsbad. There is a very safe and secluded atmosphere here, there is free access to a spacious beach, restaurants and shopping pavilions, a well-developed transport system. You will always find at Carlsbad excellent climatic conditions and living standards and an excellent urban infrastructure, including quality medical care.

Valentina Nikitina

Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

Does graduating from a U.S. high school improve chances of getting into top U.S. universities, such as Ivy League schools?

Attending a U.S. high school doesn't necessarily enhance the quality of your application, but it can prepare you for the educational format in the U.S. For Ivy League admissions, a high GPA and proficiency in English are basic requirements. What makes an application stand out is a well-rounded, unique profile demonstrating potential to excel and contribute to the university's reputation.

Most students are housed in on-campus housing (barracks). Local students who have a home near the school have access to the day study format, which means staying on campus only during the daytime. The barracks distribute students by age: middle and high school students are housed in separate buildings.

Students live in fully furnished two-, three-bed rooms: each boy has his own bed and storage closet, and self-study desks are shared by residents. TAC staff members - mentors who provide 24/7 support and security in the residence - move in next door to the students.

All students have a clear schedule each day: wake up, eat, attend academic and elective classes, and go to bed at a certain time. On weekends students feel a little more free, as on Saturdays and Sundays instead of classes there are excursions, hikes, trips home.

All students are offered full board - three meals a day in the large dining room on school days. The daily updated menu includes healthy and nutritious meals: soups, salads, fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products. If a student has any dietary or medical conditions, qualified kitchen staff provide alternative meals.

Subject list: administration, Art, computer techologies, Filmmaking, humanitarian sciences, maths
Activity list: Beach games, Beach volleyball, Dodgeball, football, Kickball, swimming, table tennis

The extracurricular life of the students is very diverse - each student can find a fascinating activity for his or her interests.

Weekend trips are organized for all students to local theme parks: Universal Studios, Disnayland, SeaWorld, Magic Mountain and others, movies, theaters and shopping centers.

Spring Break is a special time for students as each year in March and April they travel to Europe, Asia and South America, learning about the cultures and traditions of different countries and nations. Students will visit the campuses of top universities, try new foods, interact with locals and explore the sights, and get a glimpse of a career path in a country they like.

Even while on campus, students have the opportunity to develop their interests - more than 20 clubs and associations in various fields create a friendly and understanding atmosphere that allows students to make friends and like-minded individuals. Sports are particularly popular: basketball, golf, swimming, tennis, soccer and many other sports are available thanks to the excellent sports infrastructure and experienced teachers. The students enjoy visiting the creative studios: music and art, where the classes are held not only indoors, but outdoors as well.

Outside of school, the boys have just as much fun and, above all, independent leisure time: Surfing and water polo workshops are held on the beaches, local guides organize hikes on the hiking trails, boating and fishing are offered every weekend in the harbor.

• Boarding or full-time study format - your choice,
• 100% admission to the university of your choice, including Ivy League universities,
• Alternative programs for students with mild/moderate learning difficulties (ADHD, dyslexia, etc.),
• About 20% of the students come from a wide variety of countries: Canada, China, Russia, the Philippines, Mongolia, and others,
• Additional ESOL and ESL English courses for international students,
• A variety of extracurricular clubs, associations, and opportunities to develop interests,
• The school is ranked as one of the top 20 private schools in San Diego County by Private School Review, as one of the top 5 boarding schools in California by World Scholarship Forum, as one of the best boarding schools in various categories by Boarding School Review, and others,
• The Academy is recognized by Gurian University as a model school for boys
• (nationally),
• Programs are accredited by the University of California, on whose educational system the training is based,
• STEAM focus in core and elective subjects,
• Travel abroad and around the U.S.: excursions and internships at places like Stanford University's Cardiovascular Institute,
• Small classes of up to 10 people,
• Psychological training, self-discipline, work with motivation and goal-setting.

The institution's campus spans more than 16 acres. One of its main features is its close proximity to the ocean - walking out the door of almost every building, the student finds himself on the coastal area with a beautiful view.

Many of the school's buildings have recently been renovated. For example, the academy's academic facilities:

• Classrooms and labs: from desks and necessary materials to the latest technology and an aircraft simulator. Every classroom has a Chromebook 1-1 with state-of-the-art Promethean Boards,
• Visual and performing arts studios: art theater, museum, photo galleries, music and computer labs with iMac equipment, audio-visual studio for ANA TV, coast-to-coast drawing area,
• Bookstore where you can purchase uniforms, books, school supplies and more,
• Student Development Center for workshops and additional lectures,
• Library with computer room,
• An IT department that provides WiFi on campus and repairs to students' personal technology.

For comfortable living on campus, there are:

• Shared Residence Halls,
• Dining Hall,
• Security Office, providing school security passes, CCTV and other measures,
• Medical Center: certified staff, hospital wing and area for quick transport to city facilities,
• School transportation stop,
• Beach with facilities: volleyball, barbecue, swimming and snorkeling areas,
• Swimming pool,
• Lounge overlooking the beach: board games, television,
• Duffield Sports Center, Bliss Stadium and full-size Muffucci Field: from basketball courts to weight rooms.

Academic and other assistance is available to students in the major offices: commuting, finances, admissions, barracks housing, extra classes - qualified professionals are responsible for this and many other areas of life.

The school campus is adjacent to many places that will make your stay here more exciting. For example, there is a shopping center, banks, a movie theater and a theme park near the campus, which can be reached by public or school transportation. The nearest airports, San Diego International Airport and John Wayne Airport in Orange County, are a 45-minute drive away.

Important dates of the school year:

• August 23 – the beginning of the first semester,
• November 18-26 - autumn holidays,
• December 18-20 – winter exam session,
• December 25-January 7 – Christmas holidays,
• January 9 – the beginning of the second semester,
• March 2-10 – spring break,
• May 6-17 and 20-23 – final exams,
• June 1-August 22 - summer holidays.

Every weekday starts at 7:00 a.m. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. or 4:45 p.m., and excursions and home trips are organized on Saturdays and Sundays. After school, students are given the opportunity to participate in the activities of clubs and associations - from 15:30 to 20:30, daily lights out occur at 22:30.

The price of the annual program depends on the student's choice: accommodation in a residence or full-time education. The difference in cost will be about $ 20,000 - the daily format will be cheaper. The cost of the program includes accommodation and meals for residents of the boarding house, a meal plan for day students. Other necessary purchases, such as school uniforms and stationery, depend on the school year. An approximate list of additional expenses:

• Prepayment upon admission - $ 550,
• Necessary purchases - from $ 5700 to $ 6200,
• Trips & Events,
• Additional English classes in ESOL and ESL courses.

The admission procedure consists of four simple steps:

• Filling out the online application,
• Receiving an email with detailed instructions on how to submit the required documents,
• Submitting academic documents and being interviewed via Skype, where the student needs to prove language skills,
• Receiving a positive response from the admissions committee and making the first tuition payment.

The academy guarantees 100% admission to the colleges and universities chosen by graduates. Many foreign students continue their education at the best universities in the country, such as Stanford, Berkeley, the University of California at Los Angeles, Boston College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and others.

The Academy accepts new students in a permanent enrollment format, which means that you can apply at the beginning of either semester: fall or spring. International applicants need to provide:

• Personal documents: passport, health insurance, visa or residency permit,
• Junior high school diploma, if the student has already received one,
• An evaluation transcript from the last two academic years with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher,
• English certificate: TOEFL iBT (from 52), TOEFL Jr. (from 725), SSAT (1800),
• Awards, certificates, diplomas if any,
• Recommendations from math and English teachers,
• Letter of Motivation confirming desire to be a student at the academy.

On average, more than 20% of families apply for financial assistance programs each year. It is offered based on need and takes each family's income level into account. Awards are made by the school committee.

The institution offers a 10% tuition discount to cadets who meet the following criteria:

• Child of a member of the armed forces,
• Child of an academy graduate,
• Brother of a currently enrolled cadet.

Financial rewards: 

• Referral Program: $1,000 credit for each potential student who completes the enrollment phase of enrollment, 
• Early enrollment discount: families who complete the enrollment process and make a $3,000 deposit by March 31 will receive a $2,500 tuition discount,
• New Day USA Gold Star Families Scholarship: Gold Star families can apply for and receive rewards up to full tuition coverage from New Day USA. Payment does not include books, uniforms or incidental expenses.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision